New U.S. ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft says she believes 'both sides' of climate science

Thenew U.S.ambassador to Canada says that when it comes to climate change she believes in "both sides of the science."

Kelly Craft, who took up her position Monday, told the CBC's Rosemary Barton she appreciated all of the scientificevidenceon climate change.

"I think that both sides have their own results, from their studies, and I appreciate and I respect both sides of the science," Craft told Barton.

She also said that while U.S. President Donald Trump's approach to climate change is different fromthe government of Canada's, both the U.S. and Canada have the same goal:to "better our environment and to maintain the environment."

Craft said the U.S. can still fight climate change even though her country has signalled it will leave the Paris climate change accord.

The new U.S. ambassador to Canada on the science of climate change

7 years ago

Duration 0:50

Kelly Craft takes up her post in Ottawa today telling the CBC's Rosemary Barton that she believes in "both sides of the science" of climate change.

Trump said earlier this year he would pull the United States out of the accord that was signed by former president Barack Obama. Craft's husband, billionaire coal-mining magnate Joe Craft, has criticized Obama's climate change policies.

• Time for Congress to commit on NAFTA: Liberal MP
• Freelandcalls U.S. NAFTAdemands 'troubling'

The former Republican fundraiser was sworn in by Kentucky governorand longtime friend Matt Bevinin August, and formally assumed her post afterpresenting her credentials to Gov. Gen. JuliePayetteat RideauHall in Ottawa this morning.

Craft, the first female U.S. ambassador in Ottawa, said she is honoured to take on the role.

"Surely there is no better posting than Canada," she said.

Craft said she plans to visit Canadians across the country, meet with politicians and community leadersat all levels to gain a deeper understanding of the "dynamic, multicultural society."

She also said she will work to promote strong economic relationship and collaboration on security at the border, while makingcross-border trade and travel easier.

Calling Canada a "friend, ally and neighbour," Craft said it will be aprivilege to promote ties.

"No two countries share a deeper or broader relationship than Canada and the United States," she said. "We are bound together by history, our values, our economy, our families, our environment and our resolve to improve the lives of our citizens."

'Important business'

Craft also paid tribute to Gord Downie, the lead singer of the Tragically Hip who died last week after battling a rare form of brain cancer. She said Canada's "favourite son" used art, music and writings to bring people closer.

"I believe this is important business that we should all be about," she said.

Payettealso praised the bilateral relationship, calling it "uniquely and profoundly important."

"We have a long and rich history and exchange on trade, the border, energy, the environment, culture and defence," she said.

NAFTAtalks finished a tense fourth round last week. At anews conference on Oct. 17,Foreign Affairs MinisterChrystiaFreelandaccused the U.S. of deliberately trying to undermine the trade agreement,calling its list of unconventional proposals "troubling."

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizershot back that NAFTAhad created a "huge" trade deficit and bled thousands of manufacturing jobs fromthe U.S., and accused Canada and Mexico of refusing to budge to rebalance the deal.

"Frankly, I am surprised and disappointed by the resistance to change from our negotiating partners on both fronts," he said.

Craft said it's important for NAFTA to be modernized and renegotiated towarda common goal held by Mexico, Canada and the U.S.

"Canada is very important. If you are not successful, then we are not successful as well as Mexico."

The new ambassador also said that she understands the importance of the trading relationship between the U.S. and Canada.

"Being from Kentucky, Canada is our No. 1 trade partner, so I have a real interest in making certain that this border that we see in Kentucky is very thin and becomes thinner."

Trump supporters

Freeland was scheduled tomeet with Craft at Global Affairs Canada at 4 p.m. ET today.

Craft and her husband threw their support behind Trump during the 2016 U.S. election campaign.

Craft becomes first female U.S. Ambassador to Canada

7 years ago

Duration 2:17

The new U.S Ambassador to Canada, Kelly Craft, presents her Letter of Credence to Governor General Julie Payette.

Their backing was based partly on a promise from the Trump teamto allow key Republican Party members to keep their positions, including Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan.

Craft was one of five heads of mission presenting credentials at Rideau Hall. The others are:

• Adeyinka Olatokunbo Asekun, high commissioner-designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
• Mohamed Imed Torjemane, ambassador-designate of the Republic of Tunisia.
• Martin Alberto Vizcarra Cornejo, ambassador-designate of the Republic of Peru.
• Felix Nicolas Mfula, high commissioner-designate of the Republic of Zambia.

New U.S. Ambassador to Canada says she believe 'both sides' of climate science

7 years ago

Duration 10:48

Ambassador Kelly Craft sits down with Rosemary Barton to discuss climate change, NAFTA, border security and her relationship with President Trump